Joan W. Schwanke

Joan W. Schwanke, 91, Rockford, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in her home. She was born October 18, 1931, in Rockford, the daughter of Hollis and Bernice (Glasford) Livingston Patterson. Joan married Wayne Schwanke on September 3, 1949, and he passed away in 1980. She then married Donald Johnson in December of 1982 and he passed away in 2007. She worked as an LPN at SwedishAmerican Hospital and then at Rockford Gastroenterology for many years until her retirement. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for many years. Joan enjoyed quilting and working in her gardens. She was an avid score keeper for Rockford baseball for over 60 years and she loved watching her grandchildren play. She was also a devoted Green Bay Packer Fan.

Survived by her son, Greg Schwanke (Dawn Ploppert), her daughter, Joni (Niels) Andersen and her son, Timothy (Cindy) Schwanke; her grandchildren, MaryBeth (Bob) Pilcher, Sara Mirabueno, Alisha (Chris) Wachowiak, Kristina Short, Emily Andersen, Elise (Michael Roman) Andersen, Hannah (Christopher) Kellner, Jesse Dobbs and William Schwanke; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Patty Meier and Susan Moore; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husbands, Wayne and Donald; her daughter Jody Lynn Schwanke and her son Jeff Schwanke.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday September 16, 2023, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 827 16th St. Rockford, with Reverend Kevin Olson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. Burial at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Rockford Lutheran High School or All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.